Chacras de Coria

Chacras de Coria is where Mendoza's expat community has quietly built something special. This small village in Luján de Cuyo, about 20 minutes south of downtown Mendoza, sits right in the heart of wine country. Bodegas like Vistalba, Ruca Malén, and Achaval Ferrer are literally within cycling or walking distance. The village center is built around a leafy main square with a church, a handful of excellent restaurants, and a Saturday artisan market that draws visitors from across the region.

The streets are lined with mature trees, the houses have gardens (a luxury in Argentine cities), and the pace of life is decidedly rural despite being minutes from a major city. For expats, Chacras offers something unique in Argentina: a tight-knit international community in a beautiful setting. Several dozen expat families have settled here, creating a social network that includes wine tastings, barbecues, hiking groups, and informal language exchanges. The restaurant scene punches well above its weight — some of Mendoza's best dining is here, often in converted wine estates with mountain views.

The main trade-off is isolation: you need a car (or at least a bicycle and Uber account) to access Mendoza's city services. Public transport to Chacras exists but is infrequent. The village is quiet — very quiet — which is either paradise or boring depending on your temperament.